My research into the controversial work of Bob Carlos Clarke for my CW1 assignment continues. As far as interviews go I have managed to interview Ghislain Pascal (the agent of Bob Carlos Clarke), Melissa James (a young aspiring model) and now I have managed to make contact with erotic female photographer Emma Delves-Broughton. Emma’s opinion on this subject was something which was vital as she shoots images in a similar style to Bob .

Many sexually charged images if taken by a male photographer may well be viewed as sexist by some. What I wanted to know was how would people view the same images if they knew that the images were taken by a female photographer? Emma very kindly agreed to answer three questions which I emailed to her. It is at this point that I want to thank Emma for taking the time to reply and answer the questions below for me.

Only by contacting and engaging with these image makers can we start to fully understand their work and the narrative behind it. You can check out the excellent work of Emma here www.emmadelvesbroughton.com

1) Being a female photographer. Do you believe that your images are viewed in a different way to those that were say taken by a male (as in more socially acceptable)?

Not sure really, the general public may have the opinion that it may be more socially acceptable, though many will dismiss the whole genre, and not care who has taken the photographs.

2) Bob believed that beauty has always been woman’s most powerful weapon. Therefore if this is the case, surely there is a mutual benefit for the photographer and the model. What do you think?

I like that idea, both models and clients feel empowered by a beautiful picture of themselves, how could you not be? From my own point of view, if the model does not feel that the end result is mutually beneficial, then you wouldn’t get anywhere near as many models that would want to work with you. You would need to take beautiful pictures in order for that to happen. Many models wanted to work for Bob.

3) Many thought that Bob’s work portrayed women in a sexist way. What do you think?

I would say his work is very empowering to women, if you have attention to detail, as Bob did. It’s all in the eye of the beholder, I don’t find his work sexist, he was a photographer doing what he believed in, and making a living too. A lot of people wouldn’t understand his work, of course, it’s not possible to please everybody all of the time.